Masks

1,464 items

Explore NOVICA's Gallery of Masks. For centuries, masks have appeared in many guises. From burial ceremonies to religious celebrations, and from theatrical productions to carnival disguises, they have captivated the beholder. As you explore our collection, you'll discover unique traditional and contemporary masks handcrafted by global artisans in materials ranging from jade to papier mache and from hand-carved woods to leather.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

How do you decorate your home with masks?

Masks have long been used ashome dcor, especially for the eclectic and worldly decorator. Theyre a thoughtful way to tell a story, bring depth and texture to a wall, and complement the rest of your global style. They can also be used to... read more

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Masks by Region

Central American Masks

Masks by Material

Recycled Material Masks

Featured Reviews

African wood mask, 'Osramo'

Joshua

Nov 10, 2016

'Osramo'

I love your craftsmanship Ali, the colors and look of this mask really stand out. I have received many compliments on how wonderful this piece is. Thank you Ali for sharing your work!

Masks

African wood mask, 'Spiritual Antelope'

Jane Jarboe

Feb 17, 2022

Absolutely love the Spirit Antelope

The moment I took the Spirit Antelope out of the box, I loved it. The craftsmanship is stunningly beautiful.I am thrilled. Thank you, Kobina Asmah.

Masks

African mask, 'Honesty'

Richard Naimoli Sr.

Jun 27, 2024

My newly found tresure

I have been collecting some African art, including the bust of a beautiful African woman which took me many years to find and to find just that right piece. The hand-carved Continent of Africa includes five carved-out animals which I hope you can see. It was a huge find. But when I stumbled upon Novica and the African Mask. Well, it was like finding the Rosetta stone. Your masks have found their way into my heart and a wonderful place in my home that I proudly display and want to share with you. I have many beautiful collectibles from all over the world. I believe I collect these items because I feel they bring me closer to all the magnificent people GOD has placed on earth. I hope you enjoy the photo I sent. I do understand that only five of the seven pieces are your creations. Thank you and to the other artists for your fine work in preserving history and a fine culture. Thank you again, Mr. Godfred France. I also forgot to mention that my favorite mask is 'God is Supreme'

Masks

Featured Artist

Salihu Ibrahim Hand-carved wood masks and sculptures

(132)

"I worked with the chief's head carver for about 15 years, during which time I learned the various styles and techniques of Ashanti and Akwamu traditional methods of wood carving."

Latest Update“I have been working with Novica for over 17 years now. From 2003 until now I have seen a lot of wonderful changes since joining Novica.... read more

Mask Carver Aziz Dreams of a Craft Training Center

When you dream, dream big that was the saying on my mind as I listened to Abdul Aziz Mohamadu talking about... read more

Erasmus Philip Ahorlu Wishes to Share His Success

NOVICA artisan, Erasmus Philip Ahorlu, at work As the year draws to a close, we asked West African woodcarver... read more

A Love Story – Rita and Joe

Rita and Joe were busy working on an order from NOVICA when we drove into the lovely spread at the outskirts... read more

Creative Cultural Masks Turn Homes Into Museums

Creative cultural mask displays arent just for museums anymore. Visit almost any museum around the world and... read more

What One Guatemalan Woodcarver Can Teach Us About the Real Causes of Immigration

Woodcarver Arturo Aj Canil of Guatemala To understand immigration, we need to understand the root causes that... read more

More useful facts

Spotlight on African Masks

Historically, African masks were only to be worn by chosen or initiated people for special ceremonies related to such important events as war preparations, harvest, funerals, or hunting. Masks are believed to embody the spirit of an ancestor, and symbolize a message of wisdom, prosperity, security, and power. Carvers undergo many years of specialized apprenticeship until achieving mastery of the art. This is important to Novica master carvers, who proudly mention it in their biographies, for it means they have earned the honor to replicate ancestral masks, as well as to create original designs. Novica's extensive African Masks collection includes the work of talented master carvers such as George Asante, who chose to go to the Akuapim hills for his apprenticeship. He specializes in Ghanaian tribal masks, such as Ewe, Akan, Aburi, as well as Nigerian masks. Carver Walter Kuma has always been passionate about African artistry, which is why he became a master carver. His masks personify his pride in his country's traditions, and he hopes to instill that same passion in those who now apprentice with him. Daughter of a renowned master carver, Ellen Akosua Amoako is one of the few women in Ghana to be successful in a traditionally all-male art form. She masterfully replicates the unique stylizations of the Ewe tribe (Ghana), as well as the Senufo (Ivory Coast, Mali, and Burkina Faso), and Grassland (Cameroon), amongst others.